A man has been apprehended and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that occurred at a birthday party at Ramona Lake. The incident, which took place on a Thursday evening, resulted in one death and three injuries. The party turned into a scene of chaos as attendees scrambled to escape, with one vehicle ending up in the lake. The suspect, identified as Devion J. Sneed, is facing eight additional charges related to the incident, as per the St. Louis County prosecutors.
Sneed’s charges include two counts of first-degree assault, four counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and theft of a firearm. He is currently detained on a $600,000 cash-only bond. The shooting occurred around 5:20 p.m. at Ramona Lake in Berkeley during a birthday celebration. Police were initially summoned to the scene following reports of two gunshot victims.
Upon their arrival, officers found another gunshot victim and a car submerged in the lake. The shooting reportedly broke out following a disagreement among friends. The victims comprised three men and one woman, as reported by Berkeley police. Two of the injured were rushed to the hospital by ambulance, while another managed to drive himself. The female victim tried to drive herself to the hospital but crashed on the way.
Details about the condition of the surviving victims have not been released by the authorities. It remains unclear whether additional suspects are being sought or if more charges could be filed as the investigation continues. The chaos extended beyond the immediate shooting area as attendees tried to escape. One person, in their rush to flee, accidentally drove their vehicle into Ramona Lake. A man and an infant were also in the car at the time, but all occupants managed to escape the vehicle.
Ramona-Mathison Lake Park, located in Berkeley near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, is a popular spot for gatherings. The late afternoon timing of the shooting made the incident particularly noticeable to locals. The identity of the birthday celebrant and the number of attendees have not been disclosed.
The charges against Sneed mark the first significant legal development in the case. First-degree murder is the most severe homicide charge in Missouri, typically associated with premeditated killings. The additional charges suggest multiple assaults and the use of a firearm during the crimes. Sneed’s bond was set at $600,000 cash only. The date of the next court hearing has not been disclosed.
The initial emergency call reported two shooting victims, but the count increased as more evidence and victims were discovered. The final count released by police was four victims: three men and one woman. The deceased has been identified as Lamonte Keys. The names of the injured victims have not been released. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to rely on witness statements, medical records, shell casings, vehicle evidence, and any available video footage.
The incident has left a mark on what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion, with emergency responses scattered across the park, a car crash, a vehicle in the lake, and multiple hospital trips. The argument that sparked the violence has not been publicly disclosed. The case is now proceeding through the St. Louis County court system, with the Berkeley police continuing their investigation.